If you have evening plans in Central Square and need to park, get ready to pay up.

Citing increased activity in Central Square as well as increased difficulty finding a parking space, city officials in Cambridge have doubled the nightly parking rates in the neighborhood. The new rates, which are for the five municipal parking lots in Central Square, went into effect Wednesday.

Parking rates increased from $1 per hour to $2 per hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Drivers can still buy up to four hours of parking after 6 p.m. and pay stations accept credit cards.

"The success of the Central Square Cultural District has brought increased evening activity to the Square and subsequently the demand for evening parking has grown," the city said. "The MBTA’s new late night services and the increased parking price will encourage use of sustainable modes and improve turnover, making space available for those who must drive."